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"Heartbreakingly real…a remarkable novel about the power of first love and the courage it takes to face your fears. "—Kami Garcia, #1 New York Times bestselling author

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes a riveting story about friendship, survival and finding your voice.

Growing up, Mallory Dodge learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it’s been four years since her nightmare ended, she’s beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime. Now, after years of homeschooling, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at a public high school. But she never imagined she’d run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn’t seen since childhood, on her very first day.

It doesn’t take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet soon it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one grappling with lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider’s life spiral out of control, Mallory must make a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants and the truths that need to be heard.

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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up—Engaging characters and real-life drama make for a potential hit with teens, if they can overlook the stock, repetitive romantic descriptions. Mallory (aka Mouse) is living with successful, caring adoptive parents after a horrific childhood in foster homes. She decides to attend public high school after years of homeschooling. Her world is rocked when Rider enters her speech class; Rider was her lifeline in the foster home, taking many beatings for her and teaching her how to hide and stay quiet to avoid Mr. Henry's wrath. While the protagonist seems shackled by her past, Rider appears to have moved forward, complete with a swagger and a laissez-fair attitude. They spend time together, and their relationship starts to grow from Mouse and her white knight to much more. Unfortunately, Rider's lifestyle and family link him with some unsavory characters. Mallory and Rider must evaluate their relationship—who really has changed, and is it for the better? The situations are gritty but presented in an accessible manner. One frankly depicted sex scene makes this more appropriate for high school readers. VERDICT An easy sell to teens wanting to experience a frank if predictable coming-of-age romance.—Lisa Ehrle, Falcon Creek Middle School, CO

Review

"Armentrout is consistently stellar, but this book blew me away, completely. Gripping from page one, I -- quite literally -- couldn't put it down until I'd reached the end, and when I did, Iwanted to be able to start all over again for the first time." New York Times Bestselling Authors Christina Lauren

"Heartbreakingly real -- a remarkable novel about the power of first love and the courage it takes to face your fears. I carried the bookeverywhere until I finished it, but I'll carry the story with meforever. Jennifer L. Armentrout truly blew me away." Kami Garcia, #1 New York Times Bestselling Coauthor of Beautiful Creatures & Author of The Lovely Reckless

"We fall in first love with Armentrout's characters, sheleads us to the front porch and we await our kiss and everything that comesafter...we are left breathless and a little haunted and wanting more." - NewYork Times Bestselling Author Danielle Paige

"The intensity between Mouse and Rider is palpably sizzling... romance aficionados [will] lose themselves in Mouse and Rider's smoldering glances and steamy kisses." - Kirkus"Armentrout's effort to gradually coax her protagonist from her shell via a supportive, loving community succeeds, and readers looking for an inspirational comeback story will find Mallory's to be satisfying and hopeful" - PW

"Armentrout's effort to gradually coax her protagonist from her shell via a supportive, loving community succeeds, and readers looking for an inspirational comeback story will find Mallory's to be satisfying and hopeful" -Publishers Weekly

"[THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is] an amazing book that doesn't pull any punches. And, it will make you look at the world just a little differently." -Krista's Dust Jacket

“Forever was something we all took for granted, but the problem with forever was that it really didn't exist.”

THE STORY:Lisa : After suffering with a traumatic childhood, Mallory is now in the care of two trusted, supportive and loving parents. She's attempting her senior year in a public school after being home-schooled for many years, yet it's not the easy task since she's still struggling with the after-affects of the abuse. On the very first day, Mallory runs into Rider, the sole good memory she has of those horrible years in foster care hell. The connection with Rider is instant... as if they had never been apart. Rider is also struggling with issues from his past, and he's on a vicious spiral downward. Mallory's habit of staying mute is being tortured as she struggles with the decision to stay silent or speak out and try to save her friend, the only person who stuck by her during those bad years. As you can tell... lots of feels in this story. Two struggled teens who spent a horrible time together, now reunited, and both still dealing with overcoming the trauma they both suffered.

Becca : I couldn't have said it better myself Lisa!! Both Mallory and Rider endured such a traumatic childhood. A decade of their childhood was spent being neglected and abused and the only thing they had to get through it was each other. Just the concept alone gave me all kinds of feels for these two characters.

THE CHARACTERS:Becca : The Problem with Forever begins on Mallory's first day of high school and is told from her POV. Mallory can speak, but chooses to be mostly mute out of fear because of her childhood. It is not that she doesn't want to talk, it's that she freezes in fear and cannot force words out. My heart broke for Mallory, after years of abuse as a child she is adopted by a loving family and even after years of therapy is still trying to put the pieces together. When she sees Rider at her new school, it is both good because he was her lifeline as a child and bad because it brings back so many unwanted and repressed memories.

Rider appears to have it all together, as if he has worked through every issue from his childhood. After a year in a group home, he was placed in a foster home where he gains two almost brother Hector and Jayden. It is not in the nice part of town and he is still labeled as "trouble" but he is safe a fed there.

I loved the relationship between Rider and Mallory, it was so warm and comforting at first and then slowly turned to more. I really enjoyed the slow burn of the build up. Experiencing the stories of their childhood was so hard, after all they had went through I could fully understand their connection. I also fall big time for the "second chance romance" trope, it gets me every time!

The secondary characters in this book were awesome too! Mallory's adoptive parents were so amazing and very important parts. I love a book where the parents are active in their child's life. Her best friend Ainsley was so fun and totally cool! Also Rider's BFF Hector was pretty awesome, and his little brother Jayden was so funny! Even Paige, Rider's ex was a good addition because I loved to hate her!

Jennifer Armentrout did an amazing job of building these characters and helping them grow. There were times I was mad at Mallory for being so scared and afraid, but in the end it struck me as being all part of her journey. As for Rider, because of his mask of indifference he is perceived as being fine and I loved how his growth became a huge part of the book too.

Lisa : This had the second-chance romance feel that I adore so much. These two experienced such torture together at a very young age, then they lose contact for quite a while, only to come back together again in high school. One of my favorite romance tropes, and I loved every minute of it.

I completely agree with Becca... these secondary characters were incredible. Seeing Mallory finally get the comforting and loving family she always deserved was wonderful. I also liked the addition of Paige, Rider's ex, who had the whole mean-girl vibe going on. She was very jealous by the undeniable connection between Mallory and Rider, and honestly, what teenager wouldn't be? These characters all came together beautifully to tell a wonderful story.

“I'm here. You’re safe, Mouse. And I know you might not believe it, but I’m going to keep you safe forever.”

TO SUM UP:Lisa : Another hit from JLA! I was so excited to see her venture into the YA genre, and I'm delighted to say it was a total hit! I'm forever loving her writing, addicted to her stories and characters, and always wanting more. I truly hope JLA writes more in this genre as it really hit the spot for me.

Becca : There is a reason JLA always has me coming back for more, she builds real characters, real emotions and makes my heart hurt and then swoon all at the same time. I know some say that the "quiet girl and broken guy" thing has been done before, but I happen to love it and probably always will! Not many can make that "cliche" work quite like JLA :) If you are a JLA fan then I highly recommend this one!! I really enjoyed this book and I hope that there will be more in this series... like maybe an Ainsley and Hector story??!! That would be EPIC!

I absolutely loved this book. The main character, Mallory (aka "Mouse") is very relatable. The story covers many difficult topics including child abuse and drug abuse, but also manages to include love, understanding, and forgiveness.

The writing style is definitely aimed for teens, and as a college aged reader, it was a bit too "young" for me at certain points. The pacing is rather slow up until the climax of the story - after which I couldn't put the book down! I enjoyed it just the same.

I recommend this book to people who love a good love story that overcomes obstacles and barriers.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book because it's the life of teenagers and I though it would be kid drama and just annoying to read but I was mistaken. This story made me laugh, cry, be mad, sad, and gave me butterflies. It was so well written that it felt as if you were experiencing it for yourself. I have never read a book from this author but if they are all like this I will read all her books. Definitely recommend.

“Forever was something we all took for granted, but the problem with forever was that it really didn't exist.”

The problem with this book is that it's so perfect I literally have no words to describe how much I loved this story. This is one of those books that just sticks with you; one in which everyone can take away something different from the beautiful words that make up the story. Emotionally charged and heartfelt, The Problem with Forever will resonate with you long after you put the book down. The story is emotionally charged and full of eye-opening scenes that will make everyone stop and think about their own lives and how they're living it. Simply put, this book is magnificent and should be read by everyone.

“No one else. It was me who had to carry myself over the finish line, and all I needed to remember when I felt like not trying was that that feeling wouldn't last forever."

Mallory, aka Mouse, is our MC, and I absolutely loved her. I could relate to her in many ways, as I'm sure many readers will. Jen wrote every character in this book beautifully, but Mallory was truly the star. Her character development was utterly fantastic and one of the best I have ever read, and you root for her every step of the way. Mallory is one of those characters that you just want to give a giant hug to and be best friends with. It was almost like she knew that someone was reading her story and she used that support to blossom into the amazing young woman she is. I honestly couldn't get enough of her story and never wanted to stop reading. Every time I had to stop reading her story, I found myself thinking about what was going to happen and how everything would end up. I found myself 100% encompassed in Mallory's world.

“You’re safe now,” Rider said. “I here. You’re safe, Mouse. And I know you might not believe it, but I’m going to keep you safe forever.” He swallowed and swiped at his lip. “That’s a promise.”

I loved the relationship between Mallory and Rider. Their connection is strong, and their love for each other is stronger. However, don't worry because there's no insta-love. Rider and Mallory have a unique bond that allows for their relationship to develop at a natural pace. Having been friends growing up and reconnecting years later, the two need to relearn about each other and discover how each has changed (or not changed) since their separation. This in itself was beautiful to witness and I loved watching their relationship grow and develop.

“We've been separated. But we had never really been apart.”

I highly recommend reading this novel! You don't want to miss out on this heart-breaking and heartwarming story. You'll laugh, cry, and swoon over Rider. But most importantly, you'll be able to read an gorgeously written story that deals with overcoming obstacles that we can all relate to. Every single time I pick up a Jen Armentrout book there is no question as to whether or not I will love it. But this book will hold a special place in my heart. It reminded me that you need to get out of your comfort zone and push yourself because you don't want to box yourself in. You need to allow yourself to take chances and do things you might be afraid of because if you don't try...you never know if you will succeed. Even doing minor things that might not seem big to anyone else can lead to amazing things down the road...you just have to open yourself up to it. Thank you Jen for giving all of us this amazing book!

One final quote before you go: “It was all about trying, and that was what I would do. I would try.”